Cast
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Sam Pasco
as Ela
Elvire Audray
as Isa
George Eastman
as Vood
Pamela Prati
as Lith
Jacques Herlin
as Rag
Danilo Mattei
as Tog
Benito Stefanelli
as Iksay
William Berger
as Mogo
Ottaviano Dell'Acqua
as Vuud's Tribe
Nicola La Macchia
as Vuud's Tribe
Areno D'Adderio
as Zaal
Giovanni Cianfriglia
as Vood Henchman
Nello Pazzafini
as Vood Henchman
Walter Lucchini
as Member of Mogo's Tribe
Salvatore Billa
as
Crew
Director
- Umberto Lenzi
Producer
- Luciano Martino
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Ironmaster distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Umberto Lenzi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ironmaster took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ironmaster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Police Story, which focuses more on action than character development, Ironmaster subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like S.W.A.T. and Mortadelo & Filemon: The Big Adventure explore similar territory, Ironmaster stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 10, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 38m
